Woodrew Update - Vol 7 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of The WOODREW Update, dated November/December 1987, delves into the controversial and alarming theory that the AIDS virus is a "man-made phenomenon." The publication, from A S.T.A.R. FOUNDATION, explores this concept through conversations with individuals described as "Updaters" and references to medical newsletters and news reports.

AIDS: A Man-Made Phenomenon?

The central theme is introduced by two phone calls received by the publication. The first call relays information from a group of scientists who, after appearing on a WORS-TV AIDS program, bemoaned the fact that the AIDS virus was a result of chemical warfare development, rendering it resistant to normal medical containment. The second call, from a prominent public figure on the West coast, not only asserted the man-made origin of AIDS but also claimed it was triggered by the East-West bloc confrontation and was becoming airborne, posing a dire threat to a large portion of the population.

The magazine questions the accuracy of these sources but notes that both individuals are described as dear friends and reliable reporters. It raises critical questions: Did man actually create the AIDS virus? What are the potential 'downside' consequences before it can be controlled?

The Role of Smallpox Vaccine

Further exploring the man-made origin theory, the publication quotes Dr. Robert Mendelsohn's newsletter, "The People's Doctor." Mendelsohn highlights a hypothesis from Dr. Robert Gallo, who identified the AIDS virus, suggesting a link between the World Health Organization's (WHO) smallpox eradication program in Third World countries and the AIDS epidemic in Africa. Gallo posits that the use of live smallpox vaccine, particularly with needles re-used 40 to 60 times and sterilized by waving over a flame, could have activated dormant infections like HIV.

An unnamed WHO advisor, speaking to The London Times, shared similar concerns, believing the smallpox vaccine theory explained the explosion of AIDS. The WHO has reportedly demanded evidence to support this claim. Mendelsohn concludes by questioning whether modern medical interventions, including immunizations, might be contributing to "modern medical plagues."

Man's Inhumanity to Man and Nature's Plan

This section, a recurring theme, is explored through various examples. The concept is introduced by "Tauri," who suggests that problems like the Love Canal incident and Chernobyl are not solely "Man's Inhumanity to Man" or "Nature's Plan" but a combination of both. Tauri argues that the changes on Earth "combine Man's Inhumanity to Man and Nature's Plan."

Chernobyl and Radiation

The Chernobyl disaster is cited as an example where Nature carried the radiations through Europe, and Man's Inhumanity took over in West Germany. The issue details a scandal involving Bavarian cows' milk being sold with radioactive levels 18 times above legal limits, intended for Nigerian and Egyptian markets but intercepted. The Bavarian Green Party estimates 8,000 tons of contaminated milk remain unaccounted for. Brazil is also mentioned for allegedly raising its food radiation limits to protect its nuclear power industry.

The Drug Trade and Arms Industry

ACRES USA is cited for examples of farming horrors, including farmers handling toxic chemicals and facing risks like lymphatic cancer. The publication also touches upon the economic incentives nations have for selling weapons, with Africa importing over $52 billion in arms between 1975 and 1985. The insidious economic hold of drugs is highlighted through the Bolivian cocaine industry, which employs 300,000 people and has seen a massive increase in coca cultivation.

War and Peace Statistics

Bishop E.A. Fitzgerald's statistics on war and peace are presented, indicating that in the last 5,600 years, there have been only 292 years of general peace. Out of 14,513 wars fought, 1.24 billion people have died, and of 4,700 treaties made in the past 3,200 years, 4,687 have been broken. This underscores a consistent failure in achieving world peace.

Monsoon Failure in India

Iben Browning's past predictions about monsoon failures in India are revisited. While his pinpointed year of 1983 was slightly off, the current year (1987) is experiencing unprecedented drought, with government officials reporting that the drought has spread through most of the country, leading to a severe national economic crisis and the need for a huge relief effort.

Mountain Musings

This personal reflection describes an encounter with a stray dog that attacked a sheep named Blessing. The author details the physical wounds inflicted on the sheep and the subsequent treatment. However, the sheep later dies, not from the physical injuries, but from fear, illustrating the power of psychological interpretation of physical events. This is likened to the story of an Arab Chieftan meeting Pestilence, where fear is presented as the ultimate killer.

Reflections on Indian Summer

This piece offers a more serene perspective, describing the beauty of the mountains during Indian Summer and the local crafts available. It touches upon the author's appreciation for the changing seasons and the simple pleasures of life. The author also reflects on the close-knit nature of the S.T.A.R. family and their supportive relationships with their grown children, emphasizing a philosophy of "keeping it light" and respecting individual autonomy.

S.T.A.R. Activities

This section details the results of a "Remote Viewing" (RV) experiment conducted by S.T.A.R. Participants were asked to describe a specific location: a chair lift at "Ghost Town." The results show a high degree of accuracy among participants, with the men generally describing the site more closely than the women. The importance of describing what is seen rather than what is sensed is emphasized, with an example of a participant who "interpreted" rather than "saw."

Good Vibes on Iffy Topics

The authors express their belief in positive thinking and preparing for negative possibilities without dwelling on them. They advocate for taking action today (e.g., storing food) to avoid panic tomorrow (hoarding). They also address those who believe that discussing negative possibilities can make them happen, stating their disagreement and emphasizing proactive action based on probability.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the controversial idea of man-made phenomena, particularly in relation to the AIDS virus, and the broader concept of "Man's Inhumanity to Man and Nature's Plan." The publication seems to adopt a stance of questioning official narratives, exploring alternative explanations, and encouraging proactive, positive thinking while acknowledging potential negative outcomes. There is a strong emphasis on personal responsibility, critical evaluation of information, and a spiritual or philosophical perspective on life and events, as seen in the reflections on Harold Sherman and the discussion of grown children. The editorial stance appears to be one of independent inquiry and a desire to share insights that can help readers navigate complex and potentially threatening situations.